Jim Leonhard returning to the Wisconsin Badgers, per report
Despite being passed over for the Wisconsin Badgers head coaching job, Jim Leonhard will stay on Luke Fickell's staff at UW, according to a report.
(Photo: Courtesy of UW Athletics)
MADISON, Wis — Hey Alexa, play 'Jimmy Cooks.'
According to a report from Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jim Leonhard is returning to the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023, joining Luke Fickell's staff - presumably as the defensive coordinator.
One of two things is true: UW's new head coach Luke Fickell is a Dwight Schrute-level salesman, or Jim Leonhard cares so deeply about the program and his players he couldn't imagine leaving.
Either way, he's staying with the Badgers.
University of Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh is sitting in his corner office looking like a genius after executing his offseason plan to perfection - at least on paper.
University of Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh is sitting in his corner office looking like a genius after executing his offseason plan to perfection - at least on paper.
Jimmy Leonhard might be the most universally loved person in the state of Wisconsin. He played for UW from 2001-04, beginning his career as a walk-on, and finishing as a three-time All-American at safety. Leonhard parlayed that collegiate success into a decade-long NFL career before enjoying a meteoric rise through the college coaching ranks, where he quickly became one of the country's most accomplished and well-respected coordinators.
From 2017-21, the Badgers finished in the top five nationally in total defense and scoring defense four times. Wisconsin was No. 3 in points allowed (17.3 per game), No. 1 in total yards allowed (284.8 per game), No. 1 in defensive pass-efficiency (110.5 RTG), and No. 3 in rushing defense (103.4 YPG).
He also served as UW's interim head coach in 2022, going 4-3 and keeping the consecutive bowl appearance streak alive.
"I told him," Fickell said Monday:" 'You've got a lot of things to think about. You've got to figure out where you want to be in five years and where you want to be in 10 years. … That is going to help you to figure out where you want to be next year."
What it means for the Wisconsin Badgers
What I'm about to say isn't meant to throw shade at Paul Chryst because I thought he was a terrific head coach. However, anytime you can move on from a coach who won 70% of his games and somehow come out the other end with a home-run hire like Luke Fickell...AND retain Jim Leonhard as your defensive coordinator - you're in a better place than you were a year ago. Period.
First and foremost, coach Leonhard staying on means that the elite-level standard of defensive play at UW should continue.
He's also beloved by the current players, which could help prevent roster turnover, ease coach Fickell's transition, and get the team to buy in on the new vision for the football program.
Not even in my wildest dreams did I think a scenario like this would play out - but I'm pretty damn happy to be wrong - I'll tell you that.